http://www.elsevier.com/locate/issn/03014215In this article we present a method of constructing ‘soft’ scenarios applied to the wind power development in Finland up to the
year 2025. We asked 14 experts to describe probable and preferable futures using a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative
interviews. Wind power production grows in all scenarios but there were differences in the order of magnitude of 10. The growth
rate of electricity consumption slows down in all scenarios. Qualitative arguments varied even within clusters, with wind power
policy emerging as the main dividing factor. The differences revealed diverse values and political objectives, as well as great
uncertainties in assumptions about future developments. These influence wind power policy and were also believed to have
contributed to the slow development of wind power in Finland. Re-thinking of the Finnish wind power policy is recommended. The
‘soft’ scenario method is considered valuable in finding diverse views, constructing transparent scenarios and assisting energy policy
making
